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Published on: September 20, 2021
[Ocular surface viral diseases in children]
E Yu Markova1, E G Polunina2, N A Pron'ko3
1Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997; Moscow Children's Health Clinic #12, 1 Eletskaya St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 115583.
Insights
Viral eye infections in children are rising, with keratoconjunctivitis affecting a small percentage. While most recover, 5% face complications impacting vision, necessitating awareness and prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- The incidence of inflammatory eye diseases in children has significantly increased over the last 15 years.
- Viral infections, including those causing keratoconjunctivitis, are a notable concern in pediatric outpatient settings.
- Data from Moscow health clinics indicate a persistent presence of viral infections and associated keratoconjunctivitis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of viral diseases affecting the ocular surface in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the available treatment strategies for ocular surface viral infections in children.
- To analyze the potential complications and long-term visual outcomes associated with these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 140 children, aged 2 to 13 years, diagnosed with ocular surface viral diseases was observed.
- Clinical data regarding disease presentation, progression, and treatment responses were collected and analyzed.
- Treatment efficacy and safety profiles were assessed, including the impact on visual acuity and the occurrence of complications.
Main Results:
- In 95% of cases, corneal abnormalities associated with viral infections were reversible within 1.5 months, with no residual opacity observed.
- A small percentage (5%) of children developed bacterial complications despite intensive treatment, leading to a reduction in visual acuity.
- The addition of Ophtalmoferon to standard therapy demonstrated high therapeutic efficacy and a favorable safety profile in managing ocular surface viral diseases.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and general practitioners must be vigilant regarding the ocular manifestations of viral infections in children.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential vision decline, even with appropriate therapy.
- Ophtalmoferon offers a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric ocular surface viral diseases, improving patient compliance due to its ready-to-use formulation.
Unlabelled:
Over the past 15 years the number of children with inflammatory eye diseases has increased by five-six times. Data analysis of Moscow children's health clinics in 2014 showed that for 40,000 outpatients a viral infection was observed in 49,000 cases, whereas some children suffered from the viral infection twice or thrice. 344 children (0.7 percent) had the viral infection accompanied by keratoconjunctivitis. According to 2015 data, viral infection was observed in 37,957 children, including 325 outpatients (0.8 percent) with keratoconjunctivitis.
Aim:
To analyze clinical features and treatment options of ocular surface viral diseases in children.
Material And Methods:
We observed 140 children aged 2 to 13 years with ocular surface viral diseases.
Results:
Despite the presence of corneal disorders, in 95 percent of children changes were reversible - in 1.5 months corneal opacity was not observed. Yet five percent of children, despite the intensive treatment, had bacterial complications, causing decrease in visual acuity.
Conclusion:
In case of viral infections, ophthalmologists, pediatricians and general practitioners should all be aware of ocular manifestations of these diseases. Even if adequate therapy for ocular surface viral disorders is appointed, in five percent of cases complications are possible, causing decline in visual function. Changes in vision can be a result of general disease manifestation, and only timely and proper treatment will help to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and prevent complications.The results of our observations revealed that the addition of Ophtalmoferon medication to the complex therapy of ocular surface diseases in children showed a high therapeutic efficacy and a good safety profile. This medication, in contrast to other antiviral agents, is available in the form of ready-to-use eye drops, significantly enhancing medication compliance in outpatients.
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